The Importance of Being Mindful When Mixing OTC Medications and Prescriptions

I want to share something the my Dr recently reminded me of. Maybe it will help someone else too. He told me to be careful when adding OTC medicine to my prescription medication regimen. As well as being mindful about using different types (gels or creams with tablets or capsules). For example: Dicloflenac gel (Voltaren) and Ibuprofen. Both are NSAIDS. Using them together poses a risk of exceeding the reccomended daily intake amount. I had not even considered that just because I am not swallowing it, that doesn't mean that I am not ingesting it into my bloodstream. No wonder my asthma was acting up. (For those of you that may not know: too much or long-term use of NSAIDS can worsen asthma symptoms, like chest pain/bronchial constriction and trouble taking deep breaths)

Your answer

RMSjohns

1y ago

I take pain medication with Tylenol in it. When I am doing very bad the Dr told me to add 2-500 mg a day for 10 days. It is important to be careful. I agree but if you need something like Voltarin my Dr told me when I asked use the 2 inches where you need it for a week to 10 days. I can use up to 1 inch daily anytime. Check with your Dr.

AcidicBunny

1y ago

With the gels and NSAIDs it's not too much to worry about. I've used both and had doctors tell me it's also fine because it's only a small amount that enters the blood stream and the effects are more localised to where you apply it.

faerywyrm

1y ago

That's a really good point about otc meds mixing with prescriptions. I don't even take Tylenol because I'm afraid of drug interactions. I had to go to the Dr even to okay an anti-nausea medicine for my whiplash and concussion. It's important to minimize interactions and similar side effects. Thanks for pointing this out so well.

dolphinblues

1y ago

absolutely! It's so important and I think a lot of people (including myself) forget to consider mixed dosages, side effects or interactions.

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